Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor Ignite Cannes: Powerful Gay Romance Wins 6-Minute Ovation!

On Wednesday night at the Cannes Film Festival, Paul Mescal and the film “The History of Sound,” directed by Oliver Hermanus, deeply moved the audience, resulting in a six-minute standing ovation.

Paul Mescal was greeted with applause as he entered the venue, but unfortunately, Josh O’Connor was unable to attend the premiere due to his commitments with a Steven Spielberg film that was still in production.

Despite O’Connor’s absence, Mescal held the attention of the crowd. Just before the film began, amidst the usual quiet anticipation, a fan loudly expressed their affection for Paul, shouting, “We love you, Paul!” The emotional impact was palpable by the film’s end, with many in the audience visibly moved, some even attempting to capture the emotional moment on their phones as Mescal himself appeared tearful.

Director Oliver Hermanus expressed his gratitude for the collaboration, highlighting it as one of his most fulfilling creative experiences, particularly praising Paul Mescal’s brilliant contribution.

The film featured powerful folk music performances, often sung a cappella, which resonated strongly with the audience. After the screening, the emotional effect of the music was evident as several attendees could be heard humming the tunes even in the men’s restroom.

The event was also graced by celebrities like Gracie Abrams, Mescal’s girlfriend, Jenny Slate along with her husband and the film’s screenwriter Ben Shattuck, Michelle Rodriguez, Cara Delevingne, and John C. Reilly.

“The History of Sound,” based on a short story by Ben Shattuck, narrates the journey of two men in the summer of 1919 as they travel across New England to document traditional folk songs. The cast includes not only Mescal and O’Connor but also Chris Cooper, Molly Price, Raphael Sbarge, Hadley Robinson, Emma Canning, Briana Middleton, and Gary Raymond.

This film marks the sixth feature for Hermanus, with his previous work, “Living” featuring Bill Nighy, also gaining critical acclaim. Hermanus last competed at Cannes in 2011 with “Beauty,” a film about a closeted man’s internal struggles, which won the Queer Palm and was South Africa’s entry for the best foreign language film at the Oscars, although it did not make the final list.

Mescal, known for his roles in “Normal People” and the upcoming “Gladiator II,” and soon to portray Paul McCartney in a Beatles biopic by Sam Mendes, had previously appeared at Cannes with the film “Aftersun,” which earned him an Oscar nomination. This festival marked the first Cannes appearance for Emmy winner O’Connor, who is also featured in another competition film directed by Kelly Reichardt titled “The Mastermind.”

The Cannes Film Festival is scheduled from May 13 to 24.